Satya Prakash Malaviya

Satya Prakash Malaviya (25 June 1934 – 16 September 2018) was an Indian politician. Lovingly known as Bhaiji, he was a towering figure in Uttar Pradesh’s (U.P.) regional politics and at the Centre. He was elected to the Rajya Sabha in 1984 and 1990 from Uttar Pradesh. He served in the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and also served as the Minister of Petroleum and Chemicals in Chandra Shekhar cabinet from 1990 to 1991.

Early life

Satya Prakash Malaviya was born on 25 June 1934 at Malviya Nagar in the city of Allahabad in Uttar Pradesh. His father was a professor. He earned ''Master of Arts'' and ''Bachelor of Law'' degree at Allahabad University.

He was a prolific lawyer and served on the Executive Committee of the District Bar Association, Allahabad for 15 years.

Deeply influenced by Ram Manohar Lohia’s writings and deeds, he first came across Lohia’s thoughts while he was still a student of law at the Allahabad University. Over the years, he closely interacted and worked with Lohia through the famous Socialist movement until Lohia’s death in 1967, including briefly in the Praja Socialist Party. He was immensely impressed by Lohia’s simplicity, fairness, and forthrightness, values that he strove to emulate throughout his life. 

Being staunchly secular and progressive, he spoke against communal forces and divisive politics on multiple occasions. He vehemently spoke out against anti-people and anti-farmer policies, staying true to Chaudhary Charan Singh’s legacy. He expressed his concern over the stunting of agricultural and industrial sectors, and the increasing inequality in society. He grappled with the role socialism could play in addressing these structural questions.

He held the cause of the recognition of his alma mater, Allahabad University as a central university close to his heart, highlighting its role in creating alumni who played leading roles in education, politics, administration, and social service.

About his personal life, he married Dr. Sarojini Malaviya in 1962. The couple had one daughter.

Political career

Satya Prakash Malaviya first entered politics under the guidance of the indomitable Kalyan Chandra Mohile, famously known as "Chunnan Guru" in Allahabad, who was considered to be his political and ideological successor.

Being a life-long socialist, he launched his political career as a member of the Socialist Party and was thereafter associated with Allahabad City Praja Socialist Party and the Samyukta Socialist Party. He served in various capacities, as the Treasurer/Secretary/General Secretary in the aforesaid three parties between 1953 to 1970.

In his distinguished career at the State level, Malaviya ji held various political offices such as being the Mayor of Allahabad, Member of Legislative Assembly (M.L.A.) in 1972. In 1974, he was elected as a member of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly from Allahabad South constituency on Bharatiya Kranti Dal ticket.

Malviya ji was detained more than a dozen times during his participation in various demonstrations and movements during the National Emergency, under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA) and he spent almost 19 months in Lucknow jail. As the Mayor of Allahabad Corporation, he famously led a black flag demonstration against the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on pressing social issues, which caught him positive attention from the public.

He was also appointed as the leader of the House, Legislative Council, U.P. from 1979 to 1980, and Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly, U.P., in 1977. He also served as the Minister for Local Self Government and Urban Development in the U.P. government, from June 1977 to May 1978, and as the Minister for Transport and Civil Aviation, U.P. government, from March 1979 to February 1980.

In April 1984 and 1990, he was elected as a member of Rajya Sabha from Uttar Pradesh on Lokdal ticket. He also served as Vice Chairman of Rajya Sabha from 1988 to 1990. During his tenure, he was a part of the Committee on Petitions, Rajya Sabha, 1986-1987, the Joint Committee of Houses of Parliament on the Railways Bill, 1986, the Committee on Rules, Rajya Sabha, 1988, and the General Purposes Committee, Rajya Sabha, 1988-1989. Since 1994, he was on the Committee of Privileges, Rajya Sabha, the Committee of both Houses on Environment and Forests and Welfare of SC/ST, Executive Committee, Indian Parliamentary Group, and was on the Panel of Vice-Chairmen, Rajya Sabha, 1988-90.

In November 1990, he joined revolting section of Janata Dal MPs and formed Chandra Shekhar government. He was the Minister of Petroleum and Chemicals and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs in Chandra Shekhar cabinet from November 1990 to June 1991.

In 2000, he joined Indian National Congress. In 2004, Lok Sabha election, he fought from Allahabad constituency on Congress ticket, but lost to Rewati Raman Singh of Samajwadi Party.

Malaviya ji was known for his exceptional oratory skills and his commitment to people’s struggles. He led a four-day all India Yatra “Chalo Gaon ki Ore” to create awareness against illiteracy and exhorted the youth to join the cause and ensure elimination of the scourge of illiteracy. The yatra also raised issues related to the provision of clean and safe drinking water and other basic services, access to primary education for all children, eradication of malnutrition amongst expecting mothers and children, communal harmony, and equal rights and dignity for Dalits and Adivasis. He left an indelible mark on the diverse and rich socialist landscape of India.

Positions held

* 1972–1973 Mayor, Allahabad Corporation.
* 1974–1977 Member of Legislative Assembly, Uttar Pradesh.
* 1977–1980 Member of Legislative Assembly, Uttar Pradesh (2nd term).
* 1977–1978 Minister of Local Self Government and Urban Development in Uttar Pradesh government.
* 1979–1980 Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation in Uttar Pradesh government.
* 1984–1990 Member, Rajya Sabha.
* 1986–1987 Member, Committee on Petitions (Rajya Sabha).
* 1988–1989 Member, General Purposes Committee (Rajya Sabha).
* 1990–1996 Member, Rajya Sabha (2nd term).
* November 1990 – June 1991 Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Chandra Shekhar government.
* November 1990 – June 1991 Minister of Petroleum and Chemicals, Chandra Shekhar government.

Writings

* ''Chandra Shekhar : A Committed Socialist, Secularist and Democrat'' i
Chandra Shekhar in Parliament: A Commemorative Volume (2016)

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Malaviya, Satya Prakash
Members of the Cabinet of India
1934 births
Malaviya Satya Prakash
Leaders of the Opposition in the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly
2018 deaths
Indian National Congress politicians
Janata Dal politicians
Janata Party politicians
Samajwadi Janata Party politicians